Indiana’s jobless rate fell in November to 7.3 percent, from 7.5 percent in
October, “lower than all neighboring states,” the Indiana Department of
Workforce Development said in a statement released today.

Indiana gained 25,300 private sector jobs in November, the largest one-month
increase in the state on record, DWD said. All employment sectors saw
significant growth, with the exception of the leisure and hospitality
sector, which was unchanged for the month.

Indiana was responsible for nearly 13 percent of the nation’s private sector
job growth in November, and fewer Hoosiers are now unemployed (232,400) than
in November of 2008 (240,600).

“Today's job numbers are welcome news to every Hoosier and are a testament
to the hard working people of our state and the businesses that power
Indiana's economy every day,” Gov. Mike Pence said. “The continued downward
trend in unemployment and the significant growth in private sector jobs
demonstrate that Indiana's economy is strong and growing stronger every
day.”

“November was a historic month of job growth in Indiana,” DWD Commissioner
Scott Sanders said. “It is encouraging that fewer Hoosiers are unemployed
than in November of 2008, and the unemployment rate has dropped by more than
a percentage point over the past few months. However, we need to keep the
ball moving by strengthening Indiana’s pro-growth climate.”

Sanders also noted that claims for unemployment insurance continue to be at
their lowest levels since 2000.

Sectors showing gains in November include trade, transportation, and
utilities (+6,800); construction (+5,400); manufacturing (+4,800);
professional and business services (+4,700); financial activities (+1,300);
and private educational and health services (+600).

No sectors showed declines in November.

Total non-farm employment also increased in November (+25,200).

Regionally, Locally

In Porter County the seasonally unadjusted jobless rate in November jumped
by nearly half a point, to 7.3 percent from 6.9 percent in October (7.7
percent in November 2012). Throughout the county 6,070 people were looking
for work in November, an increase of 7.1 percent from October (a decrease of
3.8 percent since November (2012).

In Lake County the unemployment rate in November rose to 9.1 percent, from
9.0 percent in October (9.4 percent in November 2012). In LaPorte County the
unemployment rate in November increased to 8.9 percent, from 8.5 percent
(9.8 percent in November 2012).

In Chesterton the unemployment rate in November spiked by nearly a full
point, to 6.6 percent from 5.7 percent in October (7.5 percent in November
2012). A total of 453 people was looking for work in November, an increase
of 17.4 percent from October (a decrease of 11.0 percent since November
2012).

In Valparaiso the unemployment rate in November rose by fully half a point,
to 7.0 percent from 6.5 percent in October (7.2 percent in November 2012). A
total of 1,122 people was looking for work in November, an increase of 9.5
percent since October (a decrease of 1.4 percent since November 2012).

In Portage the unemployment rate in November dipped to 8.4 percent, from 8.5
percent in October (9.3 percent in November 2012). A total of 1,517 people
was looking for work in November, an increase of 0.1 percent from October (a
decrease of 9.3 percent since November 2012).

Unemployment rates elsewhere in November:

* In Gary the rate dropped to 13.0 percent, from 13.2 percent in October
(13.2 percent in November 2012).

* In East Chicago the rate rose by half a point, to 12.0 percent from 11.5
percent in October (12.5 percent in November 2012).

* In Hammond the rate slipped to 9.7 percent, from 9.8 percent in October
(9.9 percent in November 2012).

* In Michigan City the rate remained stable at 9.5 percent, the same rate as
in October (11.2 percent in November 2012).

* In LaPorte the rate dropped by almost half a point, to 6.6 percent from
7.0 percent in October (7.4 percent in November 2012).

Alternative Measures

The official national unemployment rate in November was 7.0 percent, down
from 7.3 percent in October (7.4 percent in November 2012).

However--according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics--if “discouraged
workers,” all other “marginally attached workers,” and “total employed
part-time for economic reasons” are included in the tally, the unofficial
unemployment rate in November was 13.2 percent, down from 13.8 percent in
October (13.9 percent in November 2012).

“Marginally attached workers” are those “who indicate that they want a job,
have looked for work in the last 12 months (or since the last time they
worked, if they worked in the last 12 months), and are available for work.”

“Discouraged workers” are not currently looking for work for several
reasons, including their belief that no job is available to them in their
line or in their area.

“Persons employed part-time for economic reasons” are those “who want and
are available for work but have had to settle for a part-time schedule.”